Richard Petty Honored at Autosport Awards in London: Richard "The King" Petty has an impressive new jewel in his crown. Sunday, Petty, NASCAR's most decorated driver with 200 wins and seven championships, received Autosport Magazine's Gregor Grant Award, a lifetime achievement presentation named after the publication's founding editor. The honor was bestowed on the 77-year-old racing legend in London during the annual Autosport Awards. Petty was in attendance at the ceremony to accept the award, which has previously been given to racing icons such as Mario Andretti, Dale Earnhardt Sr., Sir Jackie Stewart and Sir Stirling Moss. The Gregor Grant Award has been presented as part of the annual awards since 1989. Grant founded Autosport in 1950 and served as the weekly motorsport magazine's editor until 1968. Each year, Autosport chooses a member of the motorsport community to be honored in Grant's name for his or her lifetime contributions to the sport of auto racing. "This is a pretty big deal," Petty said after receiving the award. "This puts me in the company of some the best drivers in the world, and I'm proud to be included with them. I'm thankful to Autosport for recognizing us and inviting me to London for their Awards show."(
Autosport Magazine PR)(12-9-2014)